07 Nov 2016 17:35:41
I think it is Sturridge that will be the key to LFC's success in Mane's absence. While Origi and Ojo may be brought in to play bit parts in games, I think Klopp wil rejig the midfield to fit Sturridge in. And based on what I saw against Watford, he's lost a lot of speed and lateral mobility (due to the injuries) and should be starting up front as the No.9 with Firmino moved a step behind him. I don't think he can play out on the wing anymore, as effectively as he used to. The ideal siuation is for him to stay and move around the box and fire those shots in, as he does, and pray that they start going in once more.

It's been just a year of watching Klopp and his management style, but he doesn't strike me as the type who'll go out and get anyone to replace Mane. He'll simply stick to the midfield and strikers he has at his disposal and move them around and fit the pieces in to the new puzzle. If he is active in the transfer window, then he'll probably just get young talent with future potential (I don't expect him to get in a CB, either) .

1.) 07 Nov 2016
07 Nov 2016 19:31:08
Not for me he just isn't fluid enough I could see klopp trying him out wide directly where mane is now and finding that isn't ideal and then switching to origi through the middle with coutinho firmino either side but we shall see!

2.) 08 Nov 2016
08 Nov 2016 00:39:08
So you think klopp will put firmino in midfield? No chance. Hendo can wijnaldum lallana will be the midfield 3 with one to come on off the bench. Sturridge is only good as a central striker but for me firmino is better. Origi played great in Mane's position against spurs. Moving firmino out wide is the only way to accommodate sturridge but we would then lack pace out wide. Every game sturridge has started we looked crap. Against Watford was probably sturridges best display so far. For me Origi will take Mane's place when he goes to ACON and sturridge will remain on the bench. I wouldn't mind us splashing the cash in January on another winger of Mane's quality will only give us more options off the bench and a stronger squad depth. If firmino gets injured and sturridge has to play 90 mins every week with Origi playing rw then I think it makes sense to buy another winger.

3.) 08 Nov 2016
08 Nov 2016 08:34:06
Mane is a very direct player and takes his man by sheer pace Not sure how could you play Firmino in his position. Sturridge out wide is even more dreadful. Origi could do a job there with his pace and power.
If you ever wish to play Sturridge it has to be centrally to get the maximum benifit from him, Else he should be on the bench.